“Receiving money from political parties to cast a vote is not wrong, but voters should still choose whichever candidate they prefer, as that money belongs to the public,” said Manickam Athappa Gounder, Chairman of MAK and Managing Trustee of Manu Neethi Foundation, today after releasing the People’s Manifesto 2026 ahead of the upcoming election at Annapoorna People’s Park.
The manifesto was received by Murali Dharan, Director of Public Relations at Nehru Group of Institutions, in the presence of Nandakumar, a social activist. Murali Dharan delivered the welcome address.
After releasing the manifesto, Manickam Athappa Gounder addressed the press and media on the importance of 100% voting.
“100% voting is mandatory; all should cast their vote. Voting decides each one’s future,” he said.
In Tamil Nadu, he noted that youth between the ages of 18–29 account for around 20% of voters, working families aged 30–49 make up 42%, and senior citizens aged 50 and above account for 35%. He said these groups are key decision-makers and urged everyone to vote.
He also said that many young people and women are affected by drug-related issues. If they come out and vote for a good candidate of their choice, it will lead to better governance.
Speaking on freebies, Athappa Gounder said all political parties are announcing various welfare schemes, adding that even TVK leader Vijay announced several freebies recently. He noted that Tamil Nadu already has a debt of ₹10 lakh crore, and said people should vote for candidates who do not increase this debt further by announcing freebies. He added that freebies are funded by public money and the debt burden will ultimately fall on citizens.
He suggested alternative welfare measures, saying that instead of giving freebies and cash, the government can provide machines and equipment to ease people’s work, which would support economic growth and development. Instead of free rice, he said the government can provide cooked meals.
When asked about awareness initiatives for 100% voting, he suggested that voters who show their inked finger after voting could be given a 5% discount at hotels and shops, and said the government should consider implementing this.
He also suggested that, using current technology, the Election Commission should introduce a system that allows voters to vote from anywhere, even from abroad using the internet. He said he has submitted this proposal to the Election Commission and expects it to be implemented by the next parliamentary election.
According to him, voters who do not cast their vote should be excluded from government schemes, and benefits should be restored only if they provide a valid reason.
He added that both the Election Commission and the government have failed to create adequate awareness about 100% voting.
Concluding his remarks, he said women should be given 50% reservation instead of 33%.
